Qeya River But often it happens, you know

star eater’s head emerged from the den’s mouth, ears swiveling forward at the call. for a moment, her gaze narrowed, as if weighing the strange voice—until she saw ridgeback, dragging a prize behind him.
a grin flickered over her features, brief but warm.
a ram! she declared, stepping out into the open with a lightness to her stride, her belly round with life beneath her fur. the playfulness in his tone wasn’t lost on her, and though she said nothing of it, the corners of her mouth tugged upward.
a fine offering, she praised, circling the ram with an appraising eye before looking back to him. did he fight you, or did you charm him down the mountain? the tease was gentle, her tone softer than usual.
she reached down to grasp the thick curl of the pelt, testing its weight with her teeth. we will use every part. you did well, ridgeback.